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Thanjavur (also known as Tanjore) is the royal city of the Cholas and Nayaks. Thanjavur derives its name from Tanjan - a legendary demon in Hindu mythology. The city lies in the fertile Kaveri Delta, a region often referred to as the 'Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu'. Thanjavur was at height of its glory during Rajaraja Cholan. This great town for nearly a thousand years was dominated by the political history of the region as the capital of three powerful dynasties – the Cholas, the Nayakas and the Marathas. Thanjavur is an important center of South Indian religion’s art and architecture. Most of the Great Living Chola Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments, are located in and around Thanjavur. The city’s culture extends beyond temples and palaces to encompass classical music and dance. It is also a flourishing centre for bronze sculpture and painting.
The Peruvudaiyar Kovil is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and an important example of Tamil architecture achieved during the Chola dynasty is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also known as Periya Kovil, Brihadeshwara temple and Raja Rajeswara temple. The temple was built by Rajaraja Chola I as a sysmbol of the Cholas and completed in 1010 AD. The temple basement is covered with inscriptions that give details of the temple’s administration and revenue and also provide valuable historical information on Chola society and government.
The Royal Palace of Tanjore is characterized by its vast corridors, large halls, its shady courtyards and observation towers. It resembles the shape of a flying eagle. This palace was built originally by the Nayaka rulers in the mid-16th century as their royal residence and was subsequently remodeled by the Marathas. A large quadrangular courtyard leads into the palace complex, at one end of which is a pyramidal, temple like tower. The palace has Durbar Hall built by Shahji II in 1684 and Sadir Mahal which is still the residence of the erstwhile royal family and the Palace also has Puja Mahal.
It is located in the Nayaka Durbar Hall of Palace and was established in 1951 which has an impressive collection of bronze and stone idols dating from 7th to the 20th centuries belonging to the many groups like the Bhairava, Umasahita Shiva, Kali and Rama Lakshmana. Rajaraja Museum and Art Gallery has a gallery with a representative collection of stone sculpture from the Pallava, Chola, Pandya and Nayaka periods. Another gallery contains samples of the characteristic glass paintings of Thanjavur. This is an intriguing museum that has a collection of ancient sculptures and relics and carries the charm of the Palace which has many visitors all through the year.
Tanjore,India
Ideally located on the banks of Cauvery, South Indias largest river, Ideal River Resort, Tanjore is sprawling with numerous UNESCO preserved architecture and monuments including towering temples and several other indigenous sites. The resort has stylish accommodations and seamless service. In addition, you and your family can ta...
Population: 2,22,619
Average Climate:
Summer: 24°C – 39°C
Winter: 18°C - 30°C
Best time to visit: October to March